Lifestyles

Answer: Wet places on your property are, many times, just that -- wet places. They do not develop into "wetlands," nor do they stay wet. They are usually just a case of poor drainage that continues to drain and, by summer, are not only dry but also rather hard because of the clay soil that allows them to hold the water longer. If you would rather it be dry, a French drain usually works with just a little effort.

Now, on the unexpected chance that when you start to dig the drain you find even more water, you have a spring. If it flows all year, you might consider the "rain garden" possibility. In most cases, it will be what is called a "wet-weather spring," and those are back to dead-dry after July.

A rain garden is a special place. As such, it should be located carefully and planned and built with artistic and/or sculptural appointments that will make this space attractive all year long. It will be as appealing in summer as it is in winter and, when wet, in the spring or during a rainstorm.

Select your plants so that they show off individually as beautiful specimens. Variegated leaf colors or red-gold foliage provide accents. None should draw attention away from the total garden. Visitors will come to witness the charm of your little gem of a garden in the rain, in a secret spray of water or to hear the trickle from a hidden stream -- not to see the lacerated red-leaf Japanese maple, as spectacular as it may be. This is not a wetland; however, rushes, grasses and sedges will work. Dwarf evergreens will complement the deciduous trees.

My experience with these gardens came when I was in Japan, where there was little space and the likelihood of having a stream or even a wet place on your property was remote. You build your stream, your pond, your wetland, and wait for it to rain. Then, as my friend did, photograph it while wet and send it to your friends who now think you have a stream in your backyard. Charming!

However, in this day of pumps and plastic tubing, it is easy enough to recirculate your raging river. It all depends on your desire, space and wealth.

There is a nice, 4-foot-wide rushing brook on a property in the Ligonier Valley where 10 out of 10 visitors assume the stream is real, but it is recirculated from the pond at the bottom of the hill. This has no special oriental artifacts to accent the landscape. The final touches should be proper (subtle) lighting and a fog generator.

So, small or mighty, a "rain garden" is possible. Give it a try.

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